Abstract

Introduction: It seems there are changes in the structure and function of the myocardium in diabetic cardiomyopathy associated with diabetes mellitus. They are not directly attributable to other related factors such as coronary heart disease or hypertension.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to search and find the impact of diabetes mellitus on the incidence of heart disease, such as cardiomyopathy and its treatment.

Review Method: A bibliographic search was conducted through "Medline" database and "Google Scholar" search engine using the keywords: diabetes, heart disease, cardiomyopathy, for the time period 2010-2020. The language except for English and Greek was the exclusion criterion for the study.

Results: Diabetic cardiomyopathy is characterized by diastolic dysfunction and myocardial ischemia, which is due to hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance causing left ventricular hypertrophy. Risk factors also include long-term alcohol abuse, smoking, hypertension, heart diseases such as sarcoidosis, and family history. The treatment aims for properly regulating diabetes, treating its symptoms, controlling risk factors for the disease and preventing it from getting worse. Regular exercise could reduce several risk factors for heart disease and improve glycemic control along with medication. Smoking must also be stopped. Finally, a healthy diet, low in fatty acids sugar and salt, and weight control within the desired range, is vital.

Conclusions: Lifestyle changes and eating habits play an important role in as regards the treatment of both diabetes and diabetic cardiomyopathy.